During the early hours of last Monday, a disturbing act of violence unfolded at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, resulting in attacks on medical personnel within the emergency room. The details surrounding the event vary, but it's clear that healthcare professionals faced direct aggression in a setting that should be safeguarded by security protocols and constant police presence.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported on Facebook that the incident occurred after several severely injured individuals were brought to the hospital. Perceiving a delay in medical attention, their relatives allegedly "mopped the floor with the nurses," creating a chaotic scene. According to his report, there were more police officers than doctors present in the early morning hours, and unusual access controls were implemented for family members and visitors.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
However, a user named Yanet Pérez contradicted this account by stating the violence wasn't due to medical delay but rather caused by a hysterical patient and intoxicated relatives. They assaulted a doctor who was defended by her husband, also attacked by at least seven people. An unnamed nurse corroborated to CiberCuba that the assaulted doctor was part of the clinical emergency team, confirming the act as genuine violence. She also mentioned that a nurse was attacked and that police presence was substantial after the fact.
Security Lapses Highlighted
The nurse further revealed there was no police presence at the hospital during the incident, despite the emergency room frequently admitting patients who are drugged, stabbed, or victims of other violence. This absence of law enforcement underscores a significant security failure in a critical area of the healthcare system, where those in crisis seek refuge. Medical staff, already burdened by resource shortages, are left vulnerable to attacks from those seeking vigilante justice, lacking clear response protocols and institutional support.
There has been no official statement on whether authorities are investigating the incident or if any arrests or injuries have been reported. This institutional silence and lack of preventive measures only perpetuate impunity in places where violence should never breach the threshold.
Recurring Issues in Healthcare Facilities
Tragically, such occurrences are not unprecedented in Santiago de Cuba or other healthcare centers. In March, an attack was reported at the Juan Bruno Zayas Clinical Surgical Hospital, where a nurse was assaulted at night by relatives of a deceased patient. Journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared on social media that the event took place in the hospital's 5A ward. The nurse, identified as Anaísa, was taken in a patrol car to give a statement and file a complaint against the alleged attacker.
“Often, when a loved one passes away, stress is heightened, and if there was any medical misconduct, many relatives lose patience in their grief,” the journalist noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure in critical moments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Violence in Cuban Hospitals
What sparked the violence at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital?
The incident reportedly began when relatives of severely injured patients perceived a delay in medical attention, leading to aggression against the healthcare staff.
Were there any security measures in place during the incident?
At the time of the incident, there was no police presence despite the hospital's emergency room often dealing with high-risk patients, indicating a significant lapse in security measures.
Has there been an official investigation into the incident?
As of now, there is no official word on whether authorities are conducting an investigation or if any arrests have been made.